British Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the government on Thursday, deepening the political crisis facing Prime Minister Keir Starmer following Labour’s heavy losses in local elections in the past week.
In a resignation letter posted on social media platform X, Streeting said he had “lost confidence” in Starmer’s leadership and could no longer remain in government “honourably and on principle.”
He said Labour’s election setbacks across England, Scotland and Wales reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the governmen.
He cited controversial decisions including cuts to winter fuel payments and Starmer’s recent “island of strangers” speech.
Streeting argued that Labour lacked a clear political direction under Starmer’s leadership, writing: “Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift.”
He also implied that Starmer would not head Labour into the next general election and urged the party to hold an open leadership debate based on vision and policy rather than personal rivalries.
The resignation came one day after King Charles III delivered the King’s Speech outlining the government’s legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session.
He also include plans to strengthen ties with the European Union and accelerate green energy projects and reform public services.
However, the government’s policy agenda was largely overshadowed by mounting speculation over Starmer’s political future.
British media reported earlier this week that Streeting, widely seen as a leading figure on Labour’s centre-right, was considering a formal leadership challenge.
Under Labour Party rules, a challenger must secure nominations from 81 Labour MPs to enter a contest.
Several junior ministers resigned earlier this week following Labour’s poor local election performance.
Trade unions affiliated with Labour also increased pressure on Starmer, warning that he could struggle to lead the party into the next general election.
Inspite the mounting pressure, Downing Street said Starmer would contest any leadership challenge and had no intention of stepping aside.
